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M E M O I R 



OF THE 



BARON DE KALB, 



READ AT THE MEETING 



OP THE 



Is 



i 



7th January , 1858, 



By J. SPEAR SMITH. 




BALTIMOKE: 
PRINTED BY JOHN D. TOY, 



1858. 






'Oi' 



D E K A L B . 



GentlEiMen : 

The recent presentation to the Society of a fine portrait 
of the Baron cle Kalb, offers a proper occasion for some 
notice of this distinguished officer of the Kevolutionary 
War. And, it may not he the less appropriate, from his 
having been in command of the Maryland Line from 
1780 until his death. 

John, Baron de Kalb, Baron de Kalsbritt, &c. was 
born in 1732, near Nuremburg, in the dominions of 
Prussia. His parents were Protestants, and of some note 
among the noblesse of the country. They had it^ there- 
fore, in their power to give him a good education^ and to 
imbue him with those high moral qualities, which ever 
distinguished his future life. At an early ao;e he entered 
the service of France, as a cadet, in a German regiment. 
He rose by degrees to the rank of General of Brigade, 
and, in reward of his gallantry, was made a Knight of 
the Royal Order of Merit. Serving through the whole 
of the seven years war, and uniting a close study of the 
military art, with its practice in the field and in garrison, 
he became an accomplished soldier. The treaty of peace 
of 1763, put an end to his active duties and threw him 
into retirement. 

This inactivity was not of long duration, as, soon after 
the date of the treaty, he was selected by the Duke de 
Choiseul, to visit America for the purpose of inquiring into 



the military capabilities, political condition, and popular 
sentiment of the British Colonies. The confidence thus 
reposed in him, was a flattering manifestation of the 
reliance of that great statesman, on his talent and discre- 
tion, in the execution of so delicate a trust. It required 
zeal, secresy, perspicacity and fidelity. It seems to have 
been faithfully discharged by him. But, ample and 
accurate as no doubt were his investigations, they have 
never been made public, and are probably still buried in the 
archives of France. It is no unfair conjecture to suppose, 
that the Baron was fully cognizant of the patriotic oppo- 
sition made in 1761 by Jame Otis to the famous '"Writs 
of Assistance." That opposition was, for the period, as 
astounding in its fearless defiance of the crown, as it was 
eloquent and logical, in the argument. The report of 
this prompt resistance of lawless power, soon pervaded 
the colonies, and in its traverse^ awakened every mind to 
anxious thought, and every heart, to stern self-reliance. 
It is hardly an exaggeration to say that, this bold move- 
ment was the beginning of the revolution. Not that Mr. 
Otis, or any other man caused it. The inbred devotion to 
liberty, common to all, was the real and dominating con- 
stituent of that happy result. Without it, there would 
have been no successful revolt. This ennobling senti- 
ment came in with the Pilgrims of the East — with the 
companions of Smith — the followers of Penn — and the 
associates of Baltimore. As it came, so it continued, and 
when assailed, all banded for its defence. 

These incipient discontents, with the ardent and un- 
ceasing discussions of them^ would naturally make a 
vivid impression on a mind, so discerning as that of De 
Kalb. And the more so as, from a comparison of dates, 
he may have really witnessed, as the sequence of them, 
the meeting of the first Congress at New York in 1765. 



The design of this convention being to bring about a 
union for the concentrated action of the colonies, im- 
parted a still more threatening aspect to a dissatisfaction, 
now become so universal. It is probable, therefore, that 
he looked forward, with no little assurance, to the fruitful 
consequences that might result, from such grave events. 
Nor is it less likely that, knowing the far-reaching policy 
of De Choiseul,* he felt great satisfaction in noting down 
these very remarkable proceedings. But, prior to his 
return from this tour of investigation, the latter was 
driven from the post of prime minister of Louis XV. by 
the intrigues of the infamous Duke d'Aiguillon, and the 
influence of Madame du Barri, the King's mistress. 
And so little importance was attached to the mission of 
De Kalb, by a degraded and frivolous court, that he had 
infinite difficulty in obtaining even an audience of the 
new minister, to render an account of the information he 
had gathered. De Choiseul had been cautiously pre- 
paring to retaliate on England, the injuries she had in- 
flicted on his country. D'Aiguillon, the new premier, was 
careless of every thing but the retention of the power, he 
had so ignobly acquired. The former, in retribution 
of the loss to France of her colonies, had been aiming to 
wrench from England her transatlantic possessions, whilst 
the latter was prostrating the honor of the realm and the 
dignity of the crown, in the sensual revels of an imbecile 
King, and in base sycophancy to a low-bred courtezan. 
France being still at peace, and De Kalb freed from 
active public duties, he retired to a small estate which he 
possessed, near Versailles. There, in the midst of his 
family circle, he devoted himself to literary and agricul- 



* Talleyrand said of the Duke — "Of all the men of our age, he possessed 
the greatest foresight, and as early as 11Q9 he felt assured of the separatiou 
of America from En frland." Stir Ir-'s Colonics. 



6 

tural pursuits. In this seclusion he continued, until the 
conflict between Great Britain and her colonies had be- 
come so animated, as to arouse all his feelings in their 
behalf. 

The profoundest mortification was felt by the French 
array, at the disgraceful stipulations of the treaty of 1*763. 
They had shorn France to the quick. Whole provinces 
were wrested from her sceptre, and her glory in arms, 
was deeply stained. England had not only seized the 
Canadas, and occupied her insular colonies, but had 
nearly annihilated her navy, in repeated victories. By 
the treaty, the magnificent empire she had built up in 
America, was surrendered. Acquisitions, stretching from 
the Atlantic to the sources of the Mississippi, were forever 
lost. These vast territories, with the valley of that great 
river, to its embouchure in the Gulf of Mexico, gave her 
tlie signal stratagetical advantage, of almost encircling 
the sea-board colonies of her enemy. An attitude so 
commanding, ceased with tlie annexation to the British 
crown, of the French North American domain. 

The French people also, were as indignant as was the 
army, at these national disasters. Canada was dear to 
them, not only from religious sympathy, but from the 
family ties which connected its inhabitants with them, in 
the most affectionate relations. There was scarce a pro- 
vince in France, unrepresented in this cherished abode. 
The first European settlers in these northern regions 
were exclusively French. No other had preceded them, 
nor had any other, up to the war of 1756, ever interfered 
with their happy and peaceful homes. Their clergy had 
diligently ministered to the wants of their flocks, and 
with a zeal worthy the best days of Christianity, had 
penetrated the distant wilds, bearing with them the 
meekness and ])uritying influences of the gospel. Cov- 



ered with productive farms and thriving villages^ French 
laws, habits and associations pervaded the whole colony. 
The sacrifice of such a possession might justly arouse the 
strongest feeling of indignation throughout France, and 
well excite her people to grasp any opportunity for its 
recovery, or for visiting the fullest retribution on the des- 
poiler. Hence it was that, at a later period, both the army 
and people so enthusiastically sided with us, and that the 
timely and powerful aid of their government, was so libe- 
rally extended to the revolted British colonies. 

His visit to these colonies, had made the Baron de Kalb 
intimately acquainted with their resources and means of 
defence, and the indomitable character of their people. 
Sympathizing with them in their resistance to oppression, 
whilst participating ardently in theJ^ repinings, excited 
by the ruinous peace of 1763, he was foremost in the 
proffer of his assistance. His zeal in the .cause seems to 
have admitted of no procrastination, and to have led him 
to an early interview with the American agents. Dr. 
Franklin and Silas Deane. After several conferences he 
finally come to an agreement with them. 

Among the important objects of the agency of these 
gentlemen, in Paris, was that of securing the services of 
capable officers, not only for commands, but to assist, 
with their experience, in training our undisciplined levies 
for the field. In November 1776, the Baron signed his 
contract with Mr. Deane, as well for himself as for 
Capt. Du Bois Martin* and a few others, he had the privi- 
lege of nominating. His engagement was to serve the 
United States under the orders of Congress, and in return, 
to have the rank of Major General, with its incidents ; his 
aides to be Majors. The contract being executed, he at 

*MS. Memoir of Du Bois Martin, Port Folio, No. 9, Md. Hist. Soc. 



once entered on tlie task of obtaining other defenders of 
the American cause^ from the ranks of the French army. 
Among those who, at the time were entertaining the same 
desire of uniting in the contest, was the Marquis De La- 
fayette, the most renowned, and the most important. 
Though strongly opposed by his family and his friends, 
he yet, at a conference with De Kalb, came to his final 
decision. His agreement with Mr. Deane was signed in 
December, being one month later than that of the Baron. 
He also was to have the rank of Major General. 

As France had not yet declared war, all the movements 
of these officers had to be conducted with the utmost 
secrecy. Not the least of their difficulties was to get out of 
France either by land or sea, so closely were they watched 
by the British Embassador, and their own authorities. 
They could not openly charter a vessel, nor could they 
embark at any of the French ports. Capt. Dubois Martin 
seems to have been the efficient agent, who, by his activity 
and boldness, overcame all impediments. At the time, he 
was a Captain of Infantry of a Eegiment stationed at 
St. Domingo, but had previously been in the French 
Navy. By means of his brother, who was in the civil 
service, he had an interview with the Marquis, and then 
solved the difficulty, by proposing that the latter should 
supply the means of purchasing a vessel. This proposal 
was accepted without hesitation, and Du Bois Martin em- 
powered to make the purchase. This, as he says, "I 
accomplished that very night before I slept." The vessel 
being equipped, the gallant officers who were to sail in 
her to our shores had the good fortune, through many 
perils, and in various disguises, to elude their jiursuers, 
and to make a speedy and safe embarkation. They sailed 
from the small Spanish port of Passage in March 1777, 
and after a tedious voyage, arrived at Winyaw Bay, in 



9 

Soutb Carolina, in the following June. It is probable 
the vessel was commanded by Du Bois Martin, as he says 
in his memoir, "The perfect success of the enterprise of 
course afforded, me great delight. In the month of June, 
I landed the Marq^uis and his suite of officers near Charles- 
ton." He further adds, we were pursued, "by boats sent 
to arrest us, by the Governor of Bordeaux — our answer to 
our pursuers waS;, that we would throw into the sea, the 
first man who attempted to board us." The reception of 
these officers by the people of Charleston, was so gratify- 
ing, and indeed, enthusiastic as to have largely added to 
the satisfaction, they felt, in having undertaken so gallant 
an adventure. But, more important matters than cordial 
greetings, and brilliant fetes, were before them, and after 
a brief sojourn, they took their departure for the north. 
On their arrival at Philadelphia, Congress, after some 
painful delays, ratified the appointment of the Marquis, to 
the rank of. Major General, on the last of July. This 
enabled him to be earlier in the field than De Kalb, who 
encountered still greater difficulty. He did not receive 
his commission until the 15th of September. It was, 
however, antedated, so as to be cotemporaneous with that 
of the Marquis. Gen. Conway, then a Brigadier, warmly 
opposed the appointment of the former, urging that he 
was a new man, had seen no service here, was his inferior 
in the French army, and therefore, should not now be 
made to outrank him. But, Congress, feeling bound to 
redeem the pledges given by its agents abroad, turned a 
deaf ear to the complaints of this turbulent and conceited 
officer, and in the end, fulfilled the compact between Mr. 
Deane and the Baron. From that moment, until his 
death, he devoted himself zealously, to the responsible 
charges entrusted to him. 



10 

Early in October, sanctioned by the authority of Con- 
j^ress^ he applied to the Commander in Chief, for active 
service. But, as no vacancy existed, all the divisions of 
the army having their chiefs, it was found impossible to 
accede to his wish. After the fall of Fort Mifflin, in 
November, he was sent, with Generals Knox and St. 
Clair, by Washington, to decide on the expediency of 
retaining possession of Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, on the 
Jersey Shore, and of thus being enabled to keep the 
enemy's fleet in check, or of withdrawing the troops 
from a post, they had so long, and so bravely defended. 
In their report, they advised the retention of the posi- 
tion^ and that it should be strengthened, by an additional 
force. This was done, and the whole command entrusted 
to General Greene. 

During the same month he was a member of the 
Council of General Officers, to which was submitted the 
question of attacking, or of beleaguering the enemy, in 
Philadelphia. It was decided that the strength of the 
British defences, stretching from the Schuykill to the 
Delaware, was too formidable, to admit of a successful 
assault, and that the American army was not in suffi- 
cient force to besiege such extended lines. A siege also, 
was the less promising, from the access, in the rear, to 
the river which the enemy enjoyed, for obtaining his sup- 
plies. Both of these plans were abandoned. In the vote 
of four, for an attack, and eleven against it, the Baron, 
always remarkable for his prudence, took his place with 
the latter. 

He is next found in a situation which bid fair for active 
service, and which was every way congenial to his feel- 
ings. A projet for an attack on Canada, was, without 
the sanction of Washington, hastily formed in February, 
1778. Lafayette was ordered by Congress to lead the 



11 

invading force, of which Conway was to be one of the 
Generals. There being no other of higher rank, detailed 
for that service, he would necessarily, have been next in 
command to the Marquis. The latter however, soon 
disappointed this ambitious device, by insisting on hav- 
ing De Kalb, assigned to the very responsible post, so 
artfully obtained by Conway. But, the ill-digested 
scheme fell through, from a sheer want of an adequate 
force, and of sufhcient resources. Generals Lafayette 
and De Kalb were, therefore, ordered to return imme- 
diately to Head Quarters, with the few troops they found 
at Albany. 

In May, the army being still at Valley Forge, and the 
British in Philadelphia, another council of war was 
convened to again decide whether an attack should be 
attempted. The objections to it, which existed on the 
previous occasion, having undergone no change, it was 
unanimously advised, to remain on the defensive and 
wait for events. On the 18th June, however, the enemy 
having evacuated the City, and crossed the Delaware, 
Gen. Washington was enabled to take the field, and to 
commence offensive operations. 

During the campaign of the last year^ 1778, the Mary- 
land and Delaware regiments, which always acted in one 
body, were under the command of Major General Sulli- ' 
van, who being detached to the north, that duty devolved 
on Gen. Small wood. The campaign of 1*779, was one 
of stratagetic movements and combinations, rather than of 
conflict, between the belligerents, each one aiming to 
out-general the other, and thus, to gain the vantage 
ground. 

In March, 1780, we find De Kalb at the head of the 
troops which defended the lines, from Elizabethtown to 
Amboy, and in April, being put in command of the 



12 

Maryland Division, he was ordered to the South. When 
these orders were received, the Division was at Morris- 
town, but no time was permitted to elapse, before its 
march was begun. It was composed, as usual of the 
Maryland and Delaware battalions. Throughout the 
war, they acted as one body, and wherever the storm of 
battle raged fiercest, or the deadly strife was the most 
desperate and sanguinary, there were they ever foremost. 
To be selected for the command of such men was a high 
honor, one too, for which De Kalb was deeply grateful, 
and which he was always proud to acknowledge. 

The long journey from New Jersey to South Carolina, 
was made on foot, with the exception of the passage from 
Elkton, to Petersburg, in Virginia. The two brigades, 
one under Smallwood, and the other, under Gist, had not 
the satisfaction of passing through Baltimore, so urgent 
was the state of affairs in the South. Thus, the pleasure 
was denied them, of being welcomed by that genial hos- 
pitality, for which she has ever been distinguished. All 
classes would have vied with each other in tendering to 
them, the most affectionate attentions. They were not 
only brethren in patriotism, but really so, from the more 
endearing ties of kindred. The Legislature of the State 
however, made liberal appropriations, for the comfort of 
both officers and men, whose spirit was thus cheered on, 
to the endurance of the dangers and hardships before 
them. In their tedious march, they were subjected to 
unceasing difficulties, as well from want of food, as from 
a scarcity of the means of transportation, in a thinly 
settled and wasted country. These became the greater, 
as their distance from Petersburg increased, and on their 
arrival at Hillsborough, in N. Carolina, it was necessary 
to halt for a few days, to restore the vigor of the men. 
It was hoped too that, during this delay, many of the 



IS 

militia of N. Carolina and Virginia, who had been 
aroused to renewed activity, by tlie advent of De Kalb, 
would reacli the camp. 

The Baron was not entirely disappointed in these ex- 
pectations, and having refreshed his troops, he moved on 
towards South Carolina. At Deep Eiver, where he ar- 
rived on the 6th July, he was overtaken by Gen. Gates, 
who had been appointed by Congress, not by Washing- 
ton, to the chief command, in the South. The success at 
Saratoga^ had given him a high repute, for military 
genius, and the most unbounded confidence was reposed 
in his ability, by the country. Not so, however, by those 
who knew him better. De Kalb received him with all 
the military honors, due to his rank, and handed over to 
him the command of the men, he had so well conducted, 
through intense sufferings, to the* scene of action. When 
the Baron was chosen by Washington, the South was 
under the command of Gen. Lincoln, to whose aid the 
Maryland division was detached. But, should any un- 
toward event displace the latter, De Kalb would necessa- 
rily occupy the vacant post. The capitulation of Charles- 
ton, in May, caused Lincoln to return to the North, and 
that event, for which the prudence of Washington had 
prepared, resulted in the command devolving on the 
Baron. Gates however, succeeded in counteracting the 
effects of this forecast, and of these effective precautions, 
of the commander in chief. The latter, it was well 
known_, would have given the preference to Gen. Greene, 
should Congress determine to confide the Southern De- 
partment, to some other than De Kalb. Gates had been 
for some time, in fact, making the most zealous efforts to 
obtain this honorable position. It would thwart Wash- 
ington, minister to his own ambition,, and, from the 
imperfect means of intercommunication of the period, 



14 

render him nearly independent of the authority of one, 
to whose high place, he enviously aspired, and to sup- 
plant whom, he had entered into the cabal of Conway 
and others. In a letter which he addressed to a South 
Carolina member of Congress, he invited earnest atten- 
tion to the sufferings, and the claims to protection of the 
South, and indicated the means, by which relief could be 
afforded. This letter was read in Congress, and with 
other appliances, led to his being commissioned by that 
body, to the grave, and responsible duties, for which he 
was so ill qualified, and which would have been so much 
better discharged, by the general he displaced. 

The main objects of this expedition were — to reinforce 
Lincoln — to give heart to the whigs — to repress the tories, 
and to rally around it, the armed men of Virginia and 
North Carolina, whilst such a display would re-invigorate 
the partisan corps of Sumpter, Marion, and Pickens. In 
the mean time, if Lincoln's command were broken up, it 
should encounter no useless risk, that might destroy this 
plan, nor should it strike a blow, unless it could be done, 
with telling effect, taking care to strain every nerve, to 
harass or check the aggressor, by surprises, cutting off 
convoys, and by all those annoyances, which damp the 
ardor of an enemy, and demoralize an invading foe. 
With these salutary views, ever present in the cautious, 
and well trained mind of De Kalb, he was making his 
slow, but prudent advances. The enemy being at Cam- 
den, under Lord Rawdon, he had determined to make a 
circuitous march from Deep Eiver, through a region where 
his men could be well supplied; and with that aim, he 
was preparing to establish magazines and hospitals. By 
pursuing this course, he would have come down, on the 
flank of the enemy, brought his column, well conditioned 
into the field, whilst its strength would be increased, by 



15 

the reinforcements which would be daily joining his stan- 
dard. To these advantages must he added the very great 
one, of the improvement in the discipline, and consequent 
steadiness of the militia, hy a longer association with the 
regular troops. It was an admirable design, worthy of 
all praise, and if it had not been, in the end, attended by 
brilliant achievements, it certainly never could have been 
visited by the overwhelming disasters which an opposite 
course inflicted. Had the original plan of the campaign 
been adhered to, the brave sons of Maryland and Dela- 
ware would not have fallen a sacrifice to inflated vanity 
and consummate negligence. 

As soon as Gates assumed the command^ he announced 
his intention to march, in as direct a road as possible, to 
Camden. All the officers remonstrated against this rash 
step, urging the impracticability of the intervening coun- 
try, its utter barrenness, and the debilitating effects on the 
men, of such an exposure, — that they would be worn 
down, from want of food, and thus reach the enemy's 
post, enfeebled and dispirited by exhaustion and sickness. 
The Adjutant General, 0. H. Williams, presented these 
objections, with all the force of his great ability and emi- 
nent soldiership. The Virginia cavalry officers also, 
begged him to delay but a few days, in order that their 
men might join them, and thus, have an available force 
of horse added to his command. He obstinately refused, 
expecting to find the enemy greatly his inferior in num- 
bers, and saying that Armand's troop would suffice. It 
consisted of but sixty men. He reached the camp on the 
25th July, and put the army en route, on the 27th — 
merely occupying these two days, in reviewing the troops, 
and in issuing orders, for their departure. On the 13th 
of August they encamped at Eugely's Mills, or Clermont, 
and as had been foreseen, the men were reduced in effi- 



IC 

ciency, by hunger,* fatigue and dysentery. Here he re- 
ceived advices from Gen. Sumpter, with a request for a 
reinforcement of his small band, to enable him to capture 
a British convoy, on its way to Camden. Gates, without 
the least hesitation, complied, and detached four hundred 
men and two pieces of artillery, under Col. Woolford of 
Maryland. One hundred of these men were regulars. 
This was another false step, for, on the eve of assailing 
the enemy, his whole force should have been kept well 
together, in order to meet the varied contingencies of a 
conflict, and the more so, as the number of his adversaries 
was only conjectural. Moreover, if he proved victorious, 
the convoy would, necessarily, have fallen into his hands, 
and if defeated, it would, as surely, be recaptured should 
Sumpter have succeeded. So, it turned out, having been 
retaken by Tarleton, after its seizure by Sumpter, with 
the loss also, of the greater part of Woolford's men. 

As soon as Lord Eawdon got wind of the approach of 
Gates, he drew in all his outposts, strengthened his de- 
fences, with redoubts, and awaited the assault. But, 
being joined by Lord Cornwallis, with a strong reinforce- 
ment, they determined to assume the offensive. Their 
army numbered full three thousand men, most of them 
veterans, but all well enured to discipline, and to battle, 
having also, a strong body of cavalry, under Tarleton, 
and six heavy cannon. Except a body of North Caroli- 
nians, they were all regulars, and even this battalion had 
served so long, as to have become equal to their associates. 

The morning report of Adjutant General Williams, 
puts the American army at three thousand and fifty men, 
of whom more than one-half were militia, and the larger 
portion of these were now, for the first time, in presence of 

* "It occurred to some, that the hair powder, which remained in their bags, 
would thicken soup, and it was act\ially applied." — Wiixtams' Narrative. 



17 

an enemy. To these must be added seven pieces of artil- 
lery and the handful "of horse under Lt. Col. Armand. 
Thus,, numerically, the adversaries were nearly equal. 
In their qualifications for battle, there was the greatest 
disparity. Viewing them in this light, the Americans 
were outnumbered in the proportion of two to one^ with 
the disadvantage also, of a vast inferiority in cavalry. 
Gen. Gates seemed to be under the strong conviction 
that Lord Kawdon was much too weak, to withstand 
him, — that it was too late for him to r eceive any succor — 
and that, an undoubted conquest, was to crown him with 
fresh laurels. He took things as they appeared — believed 
they could undergo no change — and did not stoop to in- 
form himself, of what was transpiring beyond his own 
camp. Vain glorious, and inflated with the triumph over 
Burgoyne, he had persuaded himself, as well as others, 
that he was a great martial chieftain, and could rely, ex- 
clusively, on his own superior genius. A resort to the 
experience of his subordinates, much less to more humble 
sources of information, was superfluous to a leader of such 
military sagacity. De Kalb, on the contrary, advised 
their continuance at Clermont, — to strengthen a naturally 
good position, and to wait, at least, for more reliable intel- 
ligence, than they now had. And, if attacked, it would 
better suit the composition of the American army, to be 
on the defensive than to stake a combat, in open field^ on 
a force so largely consisting of raw militia. Besides, the 
enemy may have been reinforced, and if so, might possi- 
bly, have such an excess, as to render our attempts either 
useless, or fatal to the expedition. Most of the officers 
concurred in this reasoning. It was unheeded, and the 
advance was ordered to take place, at ten, on the night of 
the 15th. The design was, by a forced march, to take 



3 



18 

the enemy by surprise, to fall on him at dawn, and 
achieve an easy victory. 

Cornwallis, prompted by a like motive, left Camden, 
about the same hour, to beat up the quarters of the 
Americans, at Clermont. The advanced guards of the 
two armies met in the dark, at midnight, and after a 
skirmish of some minutes, fell back on their respective 
lines. In this affair. Col. Porterfield* of Virginia, was 
wounded, and afterwards made prisoner. Both generals 
determined to pause until day-light, to form their order 
of battle. And now, to his utter astonishment, Gates 
learnt from a prisoner, that the enemy was commanded 
by Cornwallis, in person, and that he had brought with 
him from Charleston, a strong addition to the detachment, 
at Camden. This led to another council of war, in which 
it was rashly concluded to "fight." This gallant, but 
imprudent decision, failed to receive the ajijjroval of De 
Kalb, Williams, and others of the Continental line, they 
preferring to return to the defensible ground at Cler- 
mont, f and the more so, as the intended surprise had 
entirely failed. When Williams summoned De Kalb to 
the council, the Baron said,| "Well, has the General 
given you orders to retreat the army." A stolid indiffe- 
rence to such opinions, being clearly manifested, prepara- 
tions were made, and by both parties, for the eventful 
struggle. 

Lord Cornwallis formed his alignment, by stationing 
on his right wing, a corps of light infantry, with the 23d 
and 33d regiments, headed by Lt. Col. Webster. Lord 
Kawdon was assigned to the left, with the volunteers of 

* A brave and excellent officer. 

t "One hundred men there, I am told, would have defended the pass, 
at^ainst the whole British army." — Gov. Nash of N. C. to Gen. Waskwgton. — 

Sl'ARKS. 

\ Willinms' .N'Mrrntive. 



19 

Ireland, the infantry of the Legion, a battalion of the N. 
Carolina regiment, and four pieces of artillery. The 
Tlst regiment, with two field pieces, formed the reserve, 
part covering the right, and the other, tlie left of the 
array, with Tarletou's horse, in the rear of the whole.* 

Gen. Gates made his arrangements, by posting the 2d 
Maryland Brigade, including the Delaware contingent, 
on the right, under Gen. Gist. The Virginia militia 
were placed on the left_, commanded by Gen. Stevens, 
whilst those of N. Carolina, led by Gen. Casswell, formed 
the centre, the greater part of the artillery occupying tlie 
road. The 1st Maryland Brigade, under Gen. Small- 
wood, constituted the reserve, including Armand's cavalry. 
The extreme flanks of both armies rested on swamps. 
De Kalb took his station with the right. Gates being some 
200, yards in the rear, to overlook the combatants, and to 
issue his orders.* 

The mere statement of the American and British dispo- 
sitions, shows the radical defects of the former^ and the 
superiority of the latter. The enemy's front was strong, 
not only in the qualifications of the troops, but in the 
stations of the artillery, as well as, in the adaptation of 
the reserve to every emergency. Eegulars on the right 
and left, a compact centre, an efficient reserve, with a 
strong body of horse, to dash at the opposing ranks, the 
instant they were thrown into disorder. The only part 
of the American front that had any strength, was the 
right, and this, for a time, bore the whole brunt of the 
conflict. Even, here, Gen. Gist had, during the battle, 
to repair an omission, which as he supposed, was left to 
his discretion, t by Gen. Gates, and he therefore ordered 
a Delaware company to fill up an exposed interval. The 

* Official Reports, Md. .Journal, 1780. f Gist Papers, toI. 2, Md. H. S. 



20 

centre was weak, the left more so, and too mucli of the 
artillery seemed to be massed in tlie road. Had the 
feeble left been sustained by more of the field pieces, or, 
had it been composed of Smallwood's brigade, which 
constituted the reserve, the result might, and probably 
would have been, more propitious to the patriot cause. 
The two armies being thus drawn up, the battle began 
at dawn, on the 16th August, by the interchange of dis- 
charges of their artillery. Williams^ to inspirit the 
militia of the left, led forward a body of skirmishers, in 
its front. He hoped also, by this step, to check the 
enemy^ and by it, to still further encourage these untried 
men, lest their want of steadiness, under fire, should 
prove fatal to the day. The efibrt was fruitless. The 
British right, with loud shouts, advanced rapidly, and 
pouring in a brisk fire, so appalled the militia of the 
American left^ that they broke, threw down their mus- 
kets, and fled, taking with them, all the N. Carolina 
militia, except four hundred men, under Col. Dixon. 
These bravely stood their ground, for sometime. De 
Kalb now ordered up Smallwood, with his reserve, to fill 
the gap, and unite with Gist. But, his numbers were 
not sufficient, to completely extend to the swamp. Still", 
he arrested the onward course of the enemy, and the 
whole line now became engaged. Eeduced as w^as the 
American army by the flight of the militia, yet it never 
flinched, but contested every inch of ground with heroic 
courage. Borne back by the unequal pressure of the foe, 
they as often rallied and caused them, in return, to re- 
cede. It was now a strife of the bayonet, fighting hand 
to hand, man to man, in this desperate conflict. Never, 
on any field, was there a greater display of indomitable 
fortitude, and cliivalric bearing. De Kalb, still bent on 
success, re-formed his sliattered ranks, for another assault 



21 

on the Britisli line^ now reinforced by their reserve. All 
rallied to the call, and placing himself in their front, he 
led on that last, and fearful attack, by which he hoped, 
if not to gain the mastery, to at least inflict such a loss 
to the enemy, as would secure his retreat. Well did 
they breast the serried ranks of their adversaries, and 
Avell too, was the work of death, done by the bayonets of 
Maryland. But, in this great crisis of their fate, De 
Kalb fell, at the head of his devoted followers, pierced 
with eleven wounds. Despite even this sad event, Small- 
wood's brigade, and Gist still maintained the unequal 
struggle, when Cornwallis, amazed at so obstinate a re- 
sistance, ordered his light infantry to push round the 
American left, and thence to its rear. And seeing that, 
his opponents were without cavalry, he instantly brought 
up his own. It promptly obeyed the order, and at this 
eventful moment^ made a furious charge on the Ameri- 
cans^ worn, and staggering under the unceasing blows 
of overpowering numbers. Now, did the refusal of Grates 
to await the assemblage of his own cavalry, tell with 
fatal effect. The proposed delay would have averted the 
ruinous discomfiture which ensued. For, had our gallant 
mounted men, led on by Col. Washington, been in the 
field, Tarleton would have been bravely met, and held at 
bay, during which the desperate onslaught of De Kalb, 
might have changed the fate of the day. Infantry and 
dragoons thus, came crushing down on the fragments of 
the American line, and threw it into inextricable confu- 
sion. Nearly surrounded by their opponents, and with 
no corps of horse to shield them, from that of the enemy, 
or to cover a retreat, it was impossible for them to re- 
form, or to retire in a body, from this terrible melee. It 
became, from necessitj^, a sauve qui pent, each man shift- 
ing for himself. Fortunately, the adjoining morasses, to 



22 

wliich numbers of tliem retired, afi'orded shelter, from the 
brutal troopers of Tarletou. 

Generals Gates,, Steveus and Casswell did all in their 
power, to rally the flying militia, but in vain^ and they 
Avitli Armand's horse, were swept along, by the retreating 
tide. Gates, not knowing that De Kalb was still battling 
for victory, and supposing the whole force had fled, re- 
tired to Charlotte, some sixty miles from the scene. The 
air indeed, was so still, and the smoke so dense, as to 
shut out all that was jiassing. Thus ended the battle of 
Camden, as wrong in its conception, as it was defective 
in military arrangements, yet, ever memorable for the 
signal gallantry of the Maryland and Delaware lines. It 
was the most disastrous of the whole Avar. Artillery, 
small arms, ammunition, baggage wagons, with their 
contents, fell, without exception, into the hands of the 
enemy. All was lost, save the honor of the heroic sons 
of Maryland and Delaware, whose prowess extorted, even 
from Britons, the meed of praise. That the regulars 
should have so firmly held their ground, after being 
abandoned, by the whole of the left, and centre, is well 
entitled to remembrance. When an army is marshalled 
for battle, if any important section of the front, take flight, 
it is not unusual for the whole to be fatally intimidated. 
It is rare that sucli an event, does not create so much 
want of confidence, as to lead to despair, and a consequent 
participation in the panic and dissolution of the whole 
force. It is still more rare for them to keep their ranks, 
when left to their fate, by so large a body, as two-thirds 
of the whole. So argued Gen. Gates, but these brave 
men never seemed, for a moment, to think even of a re- 
treat. On the contrary, though their reserve was broken 
through, by the fleeing militia, they yet did not falter, 
or give way. The reserve also, immediately closed up. 



23 

sternly advanced, and drove back the enemy, who were 
coming exultingly on, supposing there was nothing left, 
but to pursue and slay the runaways. No less praise is 
due to Gist's brigade for its valor, in continuing the fight, 
when so deserted, than to the reserve under Small wood, 
when so broken by the militia, for its steadiness, and its 
prompt junction, with their heroic comrades. 

Nor should it be forgotten that^ on this bloody field 
were not only Smallwood, and Gist, and Williams, but a 
Howard, a Gunby^ Hall^ Giles, Anderson, Winder, Gas- 
saway_, Reid, Beale, Duval, Handy, Somerville, Kilty, 
Nelson, Brice, Jamison, Dorsey, Hanson, Norris, and 
many others of Maryland, with Vaughan, Kirkwood, 
Willson, McKenuan, Patton, Rhoads, &c. of Delaware. 

With the exception of prisoners, the loss on both sides, 
was nearly equal, though were we to credit the English 
account, that on our part, was much the greater. Noth- 
ing is more common than to exaggerate the force, and the 
losses of an enemy, after a battle. Tlie British commander 
has, in no way, deviated from such examples. In his 
official letter he makes two statements of the strength 
of the Americans. In the first, he rates it at full six 
thousand men, and in the second, he reduces it to five 
thousand, whereas, as has been shown, it was, in fact, 
but three thousand and fifty. Our killed and wounded 
are, in the same spirit, put down at nine hundred, when 
in reality, our loss, including militia and prisoners, did 
not exceed three hundred and fifty, of whom, more than 
a third of the wounded, subsequently recovered.* His 

* Among other misstatements of Cornwallis, are those of the death of Gen. 
Gregory, and the capture of Gen. Rutherford. Their names are not men- 
tioned in the American official report of the killed, wounded and prisoners. — 
See note A at the end. And, Gov. Nash, of N. C. writes that they, with others 
enumerated by him, "are safe." 



24 

own loss he reports to be only two hundred and twenty- 
four, in killed, wounded and missing. In opposition to 
this, we have the acknowledgment of a British officer 
that, ''they had seven hundred killed and wounded, 
either mortally, or so as to disable them in future.'"'' 
The probabilities are however, as has been stated, that 
there was but little disparity, in the losses of the two 
parties, though it is possible, the admission of a British 
officer may be nearer the truth. But^ admitting an 
equality only_, there could be no stronger evidence, than 
it adduces, of the devotedness, spirit, and self-possession 
of the American soldiery, with such large odds of a vete- 
ran force, to contend with. It is not easy to state the 
precise number of the American regulars who fought the 
battle of Camden. About fourteen hundred left Morris- 
town, and it is no unfair presumption, from the hardships 
of the march, the scarcity of food, and its unwholesome- 
ness, that not more than eleven hundred were fit for duty, 
on the day of battle. Even on the night march from 
Clermont, many of the men, afflicted with dysentery, 
were compelled to quit the ranks, as is mentioned by 
Williams. Now, if the one hundred regulars, detached 
under Woolford, be deducted, there were left but one 
thousand, to contend with the three thousand of the 
enemy. Many writers give but nine hundred, to the 
Americans. 

Immediately after the battle, Lord Cornwallis returned 
to Charleston, after directing Lord Rawdon to hold the 
post, at Camden, and to fortify its front, the flanks being 
covered by the Wateree and a deep creek. And, so 
stunned were they, by the severe blow they had received, 
as to have been disabled from advancing further, north- 
ward. 

* Maryland Journal. Gov. Na.sh makes their lo.ss fiOn. 



25 

• 

This consequence, dearly as it was bonght, was attended 
with others, of no small advantage. The enemy were 
deterred from overrunning North, as they had done, 
South Carolina and Georgia, and time was gained, for re- 
uniting the scattered remains of the army, at Hillsborough . 
In a few weeks, nearly seven hundred of the regulars, and 
many of the militia, were reassembled, and in good con- 
dition, to receive Gen. Greene, who was promptly de- 
spatched to supersede Gen. Gates. When the former 
therefore, reached the South, he had it in his power, to 
take the field, and begin that career of glory, which 
placed him, second only, to Washington. Do not these 
results give a sufficient response, to the remark, which 
has been made, that the regulars fought too long, at 
Camden? If they had fled with the militia, such would 
have been the confusion of a frantic crowd, as to have 
denied all order, and to have rendered the carnage, in- 
evitably greater, whilst those who escaped this fate, must 
have been made prisoners. As it was, the stern resistance 
of the Continentals, saved the militia, and a goodly 
number of their own body made a successful retreat. It 
was better then, to stand up k» the brave encounter, as 
well for their own manhood, as for the good of their 
country. 

On the fall of De Kalb, his aide Col. Dubuysson, 
raising him in his arms, and showing him to the sur- 
rounding enemies, stated his rank, and implored them to 
spare him. In thus exposing himself to save his chief, he 
also, was wounded, and made prisoner. Whilst prostrate 
and disabled, the British soldiers, with their character- 
istic cruelty* were still thrusting their bayonets, into the 

* The barbai'ities practised by the British army, on the Americans, were of 
ruthless severity. These cruelties, were not inflicted on the soldiery alone, 
but were extended to non-combatants in town and country, witli rare exccp- 



26 

fallen General. And, in their savage greed for plunder, 
they even stripped him, to his shirt.* The entreaties of 
Dubuysson, at last, prevailed, and after the fell excite- 
ment of the strife had subsided, with unwonted humanity 
on their part, they extended to him, every succour in 
their power. In a few days however, he expired, having 
on his death bed, dictated a valedictory letter to Generals 
Smallwood and Gist, intending it also, for the officers and 
soldiers of his division. As the substance only, of this 
letter has been quoted by the historians of the revolution, 
it is but right, to give it, in full, on this occasion. 

Charlotte August 2Gth, 1780. f 

Dear Generals, — Having received wounds in the action 
of the IGtli instant, I was made prisoner,, with the 
Honorable Major General the Baron De Kalb, with whom 
I served as Aid-De-Camp and friend, and had an oppor- 
tunity of attending that great and good officer, during 
the short time he languished with eleven wounds, Avhich 
proved mortal on the third day. 

It is with particular pleasure I obey the Baron's last 
commands, in presenting • his most affectionate compli- 
ments to all the officers and men of his division. He 
expressed the greatest satisfaction in the testimony given 
by the British army, of the bravery of his troops; and he 
was charmed with the firm opposition they made to 
superior force, when abandoned by the rest of the army. 
The gallant behaviour of the Delaware regiments, and 
the Companies of Artillery attached to the Brigades, 
afforded him infinite pleasure. And the exemplary con- 

tions. So great Wcas their excess that, it was said in Europe; — "England has 
revived in America, the ferocity of the Goths, and the brutal ravages of the 
most savage of the invaders of Rome." 

* Williams' Narrative. t Dubuysson was now on parole. 



27 

duct of the whole Division, gave him an endearing sense 
of the merit of the troops he had the honor to command. 

I ani^ Dear Generals, with regard and respect, your 
most ohedient humble servant, 

Le Chevalier Dubuysson, Lt. Col. 

To the Brigadiers Smallwood and Gist.* 

The Baron De Kalb was six feet in height^ erect, and 
well-proportioned, with a manly face, and an agreeable 
expression. In his habits he was remarkably abstemious, 
and had trained himself to the endurance of the severest 
hardships. Respected, and beloved by his troops, he was 
distinguished for his sagacity in council, a wary circum- 
spection in his preparations, and for his fearless chivalry 
in battle. He was well read in the best English, Ger- 
man, and French authors, speaking these languages with 
fluency. He married Anne Elizabeth Van Robais, by 
whom he had three children, two sons and one daughter. 
The elder of the sons perished on the revolutionary 
scaffold of France, in 1793. The second, the Baron 
Elie De Kalb, who served with distinction in the French 
array, married Elise Signard, and had two children, a 
son who died in early life, and a daughter, Leonore. She 
married the Viscount d'Alzac, and they are now residing 
at Milou near Paris. They have five sons. Anne Marie 
Caroline, the daughter of Major General Baron De Kalb, 
married Jean Luc Geymuller, a Swiss officer in the 
French army. They left three sons and one daughter. 
Thus the name of De Kalb is extinct, the descendants 
bearing the names of D'Alzac and Geymuller. 
In Congress, on 14tli October 1780, it was — 
Resolved, That a Monument be erected to the Memory 

* Alarvlaiiil Juiirn:\I, ITSo. 



28 

of the late Major (jreneral the Baron De Kalb, in the City 
of Annapolis in the State of Maryland^ witli the following 
inscription : 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

THE BARON DE KALB, 

Knight of the Royal Order of Military Merit, 

Brigadier of the Armies of France, 

And 

Major-Gcueral in the Service of the United States of America. 

Having served with Honor and Reputation for thi'ee years. 
He gave a last and glorious Proof of his Attachment to the 

Liberties of Mankind and the Cause of America, 

In the Action near Camden, in the State of South Carolina, 

On the 16th of August, 1780; 

Where, leading on the Troops of the Maryland and 

Delaware Lines against Superior Numbers, 

And animating them by his Example to Deeds of Valour, 

He was pierced with many Wounds, and 

On the 19th following expired, in the 48th Year of his Age, 

The Congress of the United States of America 

In Gratitude to his Zeal, Services, and Merit, 

Have erected this Monument. 

It is painful to know that this resolution has never been 
carried into effect. For this omission, on the part of our 
revolutionary ancestors, when we remember their destitu- 
tion, their anxious moments, and the countless difficulties 
claiming their daily attention, there is much of apology. 
But, for their descendants no such exemption can be in- 
voked. Ample opportunity, and leisure, with no stinted 
means, have been at their bidding. The ungrateful 
neglect still exists, though the attention of the Federal 
Government has been repeatedly invited to the discharge 
of this patriotic duty. It should be ever cherished as a 
sacred bequest from patriot sires, to be religiously ful- 
filled, by thcii' more ()])ulcnt descendants. 



29 

His remains however, are not unlionored. They were 
interred at Camden, and the citizens of South Carolina, 
have erected over them, a beautiful structure, recounting 
his heroism, and devotion to the cause, he so generously 
espoused. It is a monument, suited to its purpose, en- 
nobling its authors, whilst transmitting to after times, 
an apt exemplar of their patriotism, and his worth.* It 
is still more endeared^ from the corner stone having been 
laid in 1825, by Lafaj-ette, the companion in arms, and 
devoted friend of De Kalb. 

When the Cincinnati Society was formed, in 1*783, 
diplomas of membership, with the appropriate badges of 
the Institution, were granted to the sons of De Kalb, and 
were, most gratefully, acknowledged by them. 

In the official despatch of Gen. Gates to Gen. Wash- 
ington, of the SOtli of August, from Hillsborough, he 
says: "Too much honor cannot be paid by Congress, to 
the memory of the Baron De Kalb. He was every thing 
an excellent officer should be, and in the cause of the 
United States,, he has sacrificed his life." 

Washington also, bears testimony to his worth. — 
writing to Lt. Col. Dubuysson^ on the 10th October 1780, 
he thus expresses himself : "I sincerely lament the loss 
of the Baron De Kalb. The manner in which he died, 
fully justified the opinion which I have ever entertained 
of him, and will endear his memory to the country." So 
likewise, in his reply, dated 25th May, 1791, to a con- 
gratulatory address of the inhabitants of Camden, he 
says : ' 'Your grateful remembrance of that excellent friend 
and gallant officer, the Baron De Kalb, does honor to the 
goodness of your hearts. With your regrets, I mingle 
mine for his loss, and to your praise I join the tribute of 
my esteem for his memory. "f 

* See Note B. at the end. f See Note C. at the end. 



30 

There were certain arrears of. pay, due to him at the 
time of his death, and in 1819_, his heirs petitioned Con- 
gress for their liquidation. By the urgent advocacy of 
Mr. Lowndes of S. Carolina, a grant of some land in 
Ohio, was awarded to them. From their ignorance of 
the laws of the country, they found, when endeavoring 
to turn this grant to account, that the land had been sold 
for taxes. All attempts to recover it were fruitless. 
They consequently, at a later period, again appealed to 
the bounty of Congress. Just as these claims proved to 
be, after undergoing the severest scrutiny, they were yet 
slurred over, from session to session, until 1855. An act 
was then passed, which provides that, "in consideration 
of the claims, services, and sacrifices of the late Major 
General Baron De Kalb in the war of tlie revolution^" 
there be paid to his children and heirs the sum of sixty- 
six thousand and ninety dollars, and seventy-six cents. 
The Legislature of Maryland had strongly urged the 
payment of these claims, and the Hon. Henry May, one 
of her representatives in Congress, was mainly instru- 
mental in having her behests fulfilled. 

However tardy, this act of justice, it nevertheless, 
affords a gratifying evidence of the integrity, as well as, 
of the gratitude of the country. And, may we not in- 
dulge the hope that, a no less laudable sentiment, will 
yet erect the monument decreed by those, from whom we 
have received our independence, our liberties, and an 
empire republic ? 



NOTES. 



NOTE A. 

" List of Continental Officers killed, captivated, wounded, and missing, 
in the action of the ICth and 18th''' August, 1780." 

Killed. 

The Honorable Major-General the Baron de Kalb. 
Capt. Williams, 6th Maryland Regiment. 

Capt. Duvall, 2d do. 

Lieutenant Donovan, 6th do. 

Lieut: and Adjutant Coleman, Artillery. 

Wounded. 

Captain Somerville, 6th Maryland Regiment. 
" Gibson, 5th do. 



" 


Roun, 


Virginia State Artillery. 


Lieut: 


Duvall, 


3d Maryland Regiment. 


" 


Sears, 


2d do. 


Ensign 


Fickle, 


7th do. 

Prisoners. 


Lt. Col. 


Woolford, 


5th Maryland Regiment — wounded. 


Lt. Col. 


Vaughan, 


Delaware. 


Lt. Col. 


, Porterfield 


, Virginia State Regiment — wounded. 


Lt. Col, 


. Dubuysson, A. D. Camp Gen. de Kalb. 


Major 


AVinder, 


1st Maryland Regiment. 


Major 


Patton, 


Delaware Regiment. 


Major 


Pinckney, 


A. D. Camp Gen. Gates — wounded, 


Captains Brice, 


3d Maryland Regiment. 




Hoops, 


4th do. 




Lynch, 


5th do. 




Hamilton, 


5th do. 



* This date refers to the affair, in which the convoy, was recaptured from 
Sumpter. 



do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 


do. 



32 

Captain Ilardmaii, 2d Maryland Regiment, wounded. 
Smith, 3d do. do. 

Dorsey, Artillery, do. 

La Brune, Legion,* do. 

Rhoads, Delaware Regiment. 
Lamoiith, do. 

Captain-Lieut. Waters, Artillery. 

Lieutenants Shoemaker, 4th Maryland Regiment, wounded. 
Hanson, 4th 
Read, 5th 

Norris, Gth 
Wallace, Artillery. 
Foot, Legion. 
Moseley, Artillery. 
Duff, Delaware Regiment. 
Shillington, do. 
Lieut. & Adjt. Purvis, do. 
Ensigns Burgiss, 4th Maryland Regiment, 

" Roach, Delaware do. 

Volunteers Nelson, 6th Maryland do. w#imded. 
Rutlidge, 4 th do. 

Missing. 

Captain Morris, 7th Maryland Regiment — wounded. 

Gassaway, 2d do. 

Lieut. Gassaway, 2d do. 

Captain Meredith, Artillery. 
Captain-Lieut. Blair, do. 

(Signed) 0. H. Williams. 

Eillshoroiicjli, August 29th, 1780. 

«The Legion was commanded by Armand, and at the time, consisted of 
sixty horsemen and forty infantry. 



33 



notp: b. 

Ill March 1825, the remains of De Kalb, were exhumed from the grave, 
hi which they were interred, after his death, at Camden. They were 
transported with due ceremonial, to the new tomb, prepared for them, and 
oa which a monument has been erected, by the people of South Carolina. 

Immediately over the grave, a stone slab was placed, having engraved 
on it. " This stone was placed over the remains of BARON DE KALB, 
by Gen. Lafayette, 1825." It had on it also, the words, — "F;edus" "Esto 
I'erpetuum." 

Over this was erected a white marble obelisk, with the following inscrip- 
tion: — "Here lie the remains of BARON DE KALB, a German by 
birth, but in principle, a citizen of the world. His love of liberty induced 
liim to leave the Old World, to aid the citizens of the New, in their 
struggle for Independence. His distinguished talents and many virtues, 
weighed with Congress, to appoint him Major General in their Revolu- 
tionary Army. He was second in command in the battle fought near 
Camden, on the IGth of August, 1780, between the British and Americans, 
and there nobly fell, covered with wounds, while gallantly performing 
d^eds of valor, in rallying the friends, and opposing the enemies of his 
adopted country." 

"la gratitude for his zeal and services, the citizens of >South Carolina 
luivc erected this monument." 

On that occasion, Gen. Lafayette said : — 

''In that army, Sir, which oflered a perfect assemblage of every civic and 
military virtue, Major General Baron De Kalb has acted a conspicuous 
part. His able conduct, undaunted valor, and glorious fall in the lirst 
battle of Camden, form one of the remarkable traits of our struggle for 
independence and freedom. Ho was cordially devoted to our American 
cause, and while his public and private qualities have endeared him to liis 
cotemporaries, here I remain to pay to his merits on this tomb, the tribute 
of an admiring witness, of an intimate companion, of a mourning friend." 



JC. 



34 



XOTK C. 

Cnl. Nicholas Rogers of Baltimore, was an aide-de-camp of T)e Kalb, 
at Valley Forge, and on the line, from Elizabethtown to Amboy. When 
fien. H. Lee was writing his Memoirs of the War, in the South, he 
a|)plied to Col. Rogers, for such information, as he might possess, in 
regard to the Baron. Having been permitted to make extracts, from the 
('olonel's reply to Gen. Lee, they are now added, as of high value, coming 
from such a source. From the intimacy also, which usually exists, 
between a General and his aide, the best opijortunity was presented to 
Col. Rogers, of gaining a clear insight into the character of his chief. 

The reply is dated. New York. 24th January, 1810. 

"My Dear Sir: — Respecting my good and old friend the Baron de 
Kalb, about whom we have formerly had some conversation, I wish I 
coidd give you such information as would contribute to make your in- 
tended publication as interesting as the world will naturally expect from 
your pen ; but the long lapse of time and other circumstances, may pro- 
bably, contrary to your expectations, render it rather scanty, however, 
such as it is, I am happy to jilace it at your service. 

"In frequent conversations with him on the affairs of our country — then 
almost the only topic of conversation — he has repeatcdl}' told me of his 
having been in this coimtry between the years 17G3 and 1765, in a con- 
cealed character, — as a German travelling for his pleasure. — This he did, 
from one end of the continent to the other; and, as I know him to have 
been an acute observer, he must have picked up a great deal of informa- 
tion for the French Court, by which, I have no doubt, he was expressly 
employed for that particular piu-pose. 

"Speaking the English language well, and possessing the most conciliating 
and condescending manners, he had it in his power to insinuate himself 
everywhere, from the drawing-room down to the gi'og shop, and be assured 
that he culled from every group something appertaining to his mission, 
and marked well, in every countenance even, and conversation, the parti- 
cular partialities and antipathies towards the two great leading nations of 
Europe, Great Britain and France. He often declared to me that, such 
was the universal prepossession in favor of the former, and the almost 
instinctive hostility to the latter, that he sincerely believed and often said 
that nothing could have induced the Americans to have revolted against 
the mother country but the highly injudicious and sliort-sighted conduct 



35 

III' tlie BritisL ministry, wiidin lie iVeqiieutly ridiouled fur tlieir egregious 
}i)lly in so wantonly casting oft' such an inestimable and powerful auxiliary. 

'•'He has often told me that, in all his travels from North to South, he 
could find nobody of any consequence, either native or British, who did not 
think that Old England was the ne plus ultra and perfection of all human 
power. 

"In the latter part of his residence amongst us, in his assumed character, 
he became, by some accident, suspected, was taken up, and was, I believe, 
])ut into prison for a few days. However, he soon made his way good and 
was released, for on examining his papers and baggage, nothing could be 
found to implicate him, because he never then kept, as he told me, any- 
thing Jike a manuscript trusting all to his memory, which I knew to be 
great. It was hardly possible to find a man more completely suited to 
such a mission. His wonderful sobriety and temperance at table being 
almost to excess and without example. 

"In Europe, I believe, he was engaged chiefly in the Quarter Master 
Department, where, from his great aptitude for detail and minutiaj he 
must have been valuable. Had we have employed him in that line he 
might been of great service, for we frequently felt many inconveniences and 
sufl'ered much from our ill-judged arrangement and want of foresight, 

"Besides his extreme temperance, sobriety and prudence, with his great 
simplicity of manners which highly fitted him for his undertaking, he had 
also many of the other qualifications for a soldier, such as patience, long 
suffering, strength of constitution, endurance of hunger and thirst, and a 
cheerful submission to everj^ inconvenience in lodging, for I have known 
liim, repeatedly, to arrange his portmanteau as a pillow, and wrapping 
his great horseman's cloak around him stretch, himself before the fire and 
take as comfortable a nap as if upon a bed of eider down. He would rise 
before daj^ light his candles and work till nine, then take a slice of di'y 
bread with a glass of water, and go to work again imtil about twelve or 
one, when he would ride to Head Quarters, pick up the news of the day, 
and return to dinner. This meal consisted of a little soup and a shin of 
beef, or of a dry tasteless round, with his favorite beverage, water. After 
this he would go to work again, and so continue imtil dark, when without 
using his candle he would get to bed, that he might rise at the earliest 
hour in the morning. This was his mode of life generally, whilst we were 
at the Valley Forge, where we all suffered not a little. 

" In size, he was a perfect Ariovistus, being upwards of six feet, and 
fully equal to the fatigues of a soldier. He would often walk twenty or 
thirty miles a dav without sigh, or complaint, and indeed, often preferred 



36 

that exercise, to rulinj^. lIis.cuiiii)lt'xioii and skin were reinaikable, beiny 
as i'air and fresh, as tliose of a youth. 

"The observations and information of so judicious a person as Baron de 
Kalb, would help much to open our eyes to the conduct of the French 
Court, during our contest, particularly, during the early part of it, for, 
it was incomprehensible to us and to the world in general, why the French 
should be so long timidly hesitating, whether they should take an un- 
eq^uivocal part in our favor, wlien, ajiparently, there never was so good an 
opportunity offered to a rival nation, to injure an opponent, so eternally 
and deadly h(.istilo." 



tvi 



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